Coast Guard rescues foriegn yacht in Lakshadweep

Coast Guard rescues foreign yacht in Lakshadweep

Louise, a yacht sailing from Port Victoria, Seychelles to Abu Dhabi on its maiden voyage with two crew, was rescued by Indian Coast Guard Ship Samarth off Kavaratti Island, Lakshadweep in early morning hours on Friday. On investigation by CG Ship, it was revealed that 38 feet long yacht “Lousie” on its maiden voyage from Port Victoria, Seychelles to Abu Dhabi had suffered total power failure onboard and had been drifting on the Arabian Sea since 02 Aug 17. ICGS Samarth located the yacht at about 0130 hours on 04 Aug 17 about 25 km south-east of Kavaratti Island.

Coast Guard rescues foreign yacht in Lakshadweep

The yacht had no communication and propulsion system view total power failure and the crew was braving rough seas for almost 48 hrs awaiting help. Strong winds of 35 knots and heavy swell of 4-5 meters made the rescue operations very difficult. Efforts to take the yacht under tow proved futile.

Coast Guard rescues foreign yacht in Lakshadweep

The ship braving the rough seas, however, managed to pick up the 02 crew both South African nationals onboard. The master Gavin Stephen, 25 Yrs and Marnu Christoff, 21 yrs are safe onboard. The owner of the yacht is Gregory Pecker residing at Abu Dhabi.

Coast Guard rescues foreign yacht in Lakshadweep

The ship is maintaining in area to undertake towing operation at first available opportunity. This is the second such operation in this monsoon, last one being saving 03 precious lives onboard Yacht “Lady Thuraya” in Jun 17 almost 1100 km from the coast at the fringes of Indian Search and Rescue Region.